US stoutly supports Afghan-India trade show

The United States on Wednesday affirmed its stout support for the second annual India-Afghanistan International Trade and Investment Show.

Sponsored by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the event opened in the Indian city of Mumbai today.
US Ambassador John R. Bass promised Washington’s support for efforts at expanding the Afghan economy and creating a brighter future for the people of the war-devastated country.
“The US Afghanistan to succeed. We are committed to helping everyone in this society working to create a future Afghanistan in which all its citizens can live in peace and dignity. That includes Afghan businesses – the private sector.”
At the show, Bass will be joining Afghan, Indian, and US business leaders and senior government representatives to explore ways to strengthen regional economic ties and help the Afghans prosper.
Last Year, the US-sponsored “Passage to Prosperity” conference, attended by more than 1000 Afghan, Indian and international entrepreneurs, produced more than $27 million in business contracts and another $240 million in investment deals.
The event, showcasing the best of Afghan commerce and industry, is a platform for Afghans to help the world understand there is much more to this country than violence and conflict, according to the ambassador.
The conference enables Afghan businesses to reach new markets; expand their networks; and forge business and investment deals that strengthen the economy and create new employment.
“Afghanistan is a country blessed with rich resources and a vast economic potential. Turning that potential into reality depends on you, the Afghan people – your hard work, creativity and determination to create a better future for your children,” Bass said in a statement.